Time to rethink state pension rules

Are we there yet? Children are famous for saying this when they are anxious to reach their destination. Are we, as taxpayers and voters, there yet?

At what point do we say enough is enough? Collecting a salary and pension for the same position is a gross abuse of the system. While it is true that someone would have to fill that position, opening the job up to other candidates may have given someone else the opportunity to get the job and maybe for less pay. Taking advantage of a "loophole" may be legal but is it ethical?

Where is common sense, fairness and concern for the taxpayer who has to come up with the money for this individual (and others like him)? Those in power will continue to manipulate the system to their advantage until the taxpayers and voters reject their actions.

It is time for New York state officials to step in and alter the current pension rules. These pensions were previously negotiated under a different set of circumstances. Other than government employees and CEOs, someone retiring with a pension worth 70 percent or more of salary is largely unheard of. When will we, as taxpayers and voters, have enough of these clever strategies and say, are we there yet?